Building MLB's best lineup with Powerball's $1.3-billion pot
With no Powerball lottery winners for Saturday's record $949.8-million jackpot, the next draw could reach $1.3 billion.
Although there's only a one-in-292.2-million chance of winning the top prize, lotto players are dreaming about what they'd do with all that cash if they won.
One option is to buy a Major League Baseball franchise. Here's the All-Star lineup - and the gargantuan contracts associated with them - the winner would be able to afford:
1 - Mike Trout, CF ($144.5M)
Building your team around the best all-around player in baseball is a no-brainer, making Trout's six-year, $144.5-million a good starting point.
2. Bryce Harper, LF ($7.65M)
The reigning National League MVP will be in for a handsome raise this year, and has the potential to command a record-setting deal once he becomes a free agent in 2019. For now, he's the best bargain in the majors.
3 - Giancarlo Stanton, RF ($325M)
Harper was nice enough to move to left field on this roster in order to accommodate the most feared slugger in the game. Stanton's $325-million pact with the Miami Marlins is the most expensive contract in MLB history. We'll take him, because we can.
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B ($248M)
Cabrera is a four-time American League batting champion, two-time AL MVP, and a 10-time All-Star. That's the kind of resume this star-studded team deserves.
5. Dee Gordon, 2B ($3.5M)
We're counting on Gordon to balance out this heavy-hitting roster with his ability to get on base and steal bags. He's a man on the rise after grasping the National League batting title this past year.
6. Carlos Correa, SS ($507,500)
Saving some cash on an up-and-comer like Correa is a wise move. If he builds on his impressive rookie campaign, a massive contract will be on the horizon for the 21-year-old phenom.
7. Josh Donaldson, 3B ($6M)
The Bringer of Rain is set to earn roughly $12 million via arbitration, and we'll gladly give him a raise following his 2015 MVP campaign. He's made (relative) peanuts to this point, with his career earnings totaling just south of $6 million.
8. Buster Posey, C ($167M)
Posey is the proud owner of three World Series rings in just seven seasons. He tears the cover off the ball and calls a hell of a game behind the plate.
9. Clayton Kershaw, P ($215M)
Kershaw failed to pick up a third consecutive NL Cy Young Award last season, but he's still the best in the business, and you'd be crazy not to select him as your ace.
10. David Ortiz, DH ($159M)
A man with nothing to lose is dangerous, so you can count on Ortiz to put up massive numbers in his farewell season. Big Papi will have earned around $159 million when it's all said and done, and he's worth every penny.